Kitimat RCMP urging residents to lock their car doors

The Kitimat RCMP are noting a marked increase in stolen vehicles and of vehicle break-ins since September.

Beginning Sept. 1, local RCMP have responded to 25 complaints of a vehicle that had been rummaged through with items taken, or a vehicle taken directly out of someone’s driveway.

Police are noticing trends; a large percentage of vehicles are being left unlocked, valuables are being kept in the open, and the keys to the vehicles are being left inside in a large amount of cases.

RCMP are pointing to a section of the Motor Vehicle Act which states that a vehicle “must be secured by the driver.”

“While police are always reluctant to charge someone who has been victimized,” an RCMP release states, “leaving ignition keys in a vehicle is a dangerous habit that can also impact your potential insurance coverage should your vehicle be stolen.”

They say there is an $81 fine which can be given to someone for leaving their keys in their vehicle, and RCMP will, if this trend continues, begin handing those out, they said.

Meanwhile, Kitimat RCMP are requesting people to remain vigilant and contact the RCMP if they see anyone attempting to break into a vehicle, and to take the necessary precautions of not leaving valuables in their cars, and to lock their doors.

Anyone with information about these crimes are asked to contact the Kitimat RCMP at 250-632-7111, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.